The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale acts on significant and controversial issues impacting the region, the state, the nation and the world. It is committed to developing and working to implement approaches that could bring concrete, positive results in tackling some of the most difficult challenges in the public policy arena.

The institute focuses its efforts on fostering:

Ethical conduct in government.

Opportunity and fair treatment for citizens in America and throughout the world.

Promoting responsible citizenship for all Americans, but particularly for young Americans.

Founded in 1997 by Paul Simon, a former two-term U.S. senator from Illinois and one-time candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States, the Paul Simon Institute works directly with elected officials and others to fashion and implement change in public policy. Paul Simon spoke of his institute as a “do tank” as opposed to a “think tank,” because it seeks and achieves positive results and concrete actions based on its work.

By supporting funds established by the Simon Institute, you can have a wide-ranging impact that furthers the late Paul Simon’s vision. It is a unique opportunity to be a part of a bipartisan institute that makes a real difference in society while addressing various essential issues.

FUNDS TO SUPPORT

$ Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Endowment The institute’s main source of revenue for operational and programmatic needs.

$ Alexander Lane Governmental Internship Endowment Fund Supports a scholarship to be awarded each year to at least one student each spring to work with a minority member of the Illinois General Assembly, providing the student with challenging and rewarding assignments.

$ Barbara Brown Memorial Fund Established by the family and many other donors to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Barbara L. Brown, Ph.D., who taught at SIU Carbondale for more than 30 years. Proceeds of the fund will be used to continue the service and teaching of her legacy to SIU students and promote the principle that public higher education shares a responsibility to encourage public service and serve the public good.

$ David Yepsen Director’s Award Endowment This award formalizes one of the first initiatives David enacted during his tenure at the institute. Donations to the Yepsen Award help our students and commemorate David’s contribution to Paul Simon’s living legacy.

$ Edwin D. Phillips Debate Team Scholarship This scholarship has been established to honor students on SIU Carbondale’s championship debate team and his memory. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a debate team member who is an SIU student in good standing. Preference will be given to students with an interest in a career in public service, public policy, politics or related fields.

$ Gene Callahan Internship Fund Provides opportunities for SIU Carbondale students to intern in an Illinois state governmental office, preferably in Springfield during the spring semester each year.

$ Jeanne Hurley Simon Memorial Scholarship Endowment This scholarship honors Jeanne’s life and legacy, and assists young women dedicated to public service.

$ Latino Heritage Legislative Internship Fund This provides funding for a paid student internship for a minority SIU students of Latino/a heritage to work for a member of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield during the legislative session.